Mildew Problems With Homemade Laundry Detergent

Identifying Mildew

• If you're unfamiliar with mildew, it may be difficult to recognize. It is most distinguishable by its musty smell. Fuzzy marks on your clothing after a wash --- particularly if they are black, brown or red --- are also a sign of mildew. On bleach-safe fabrics, bleach allows you to determine whether or not a stain is mildew. Pour a few drops on the stain, and if it bleaches within two minutes, it is likely mildew.

Ideal Environment

• Mildew needs four criteria: moisture, warmth, darkness and dirt. A washing machine cycle provides water, and if you leave clothes inside the dark machine long after the cycle is complete, they become relatively warm. Soap scum provides the dirt mildew needs to thrive. Soap scum results when laundry detergent comes in contact with hard water, which is water with a high mineral content.

Avoiding Mildew

• Avoid mildew by ensuring your homemade laundry detergent includes baking soda and borax, since both ingredients are natural water softeners. Borax disinfects and brightens clothing, and baking soda deodorizes. Remove clothes from the washing machine, dry them immediately and wipe the inside of the washing machine dry to further prevent mildew.

Eliminating Mildew

• When mildew has already formed on clothing, take the item outside and brush the mildew stain to loosen it. Then, wash the item in hot water with your homemade detergent. Use bleach if the item is bleach-safe.